The Mankato free press. [volume] (Mankato, Blue Earth County, Minn.) 1879-1924, 1887-03-18

1t was five o'clock in the afternoon
of bright spring day. School hours
We're over at Beulah House, and Miss
Laurence, the English teacher, and
Connie Luttrell, the instructress of
music and drawing, were together in
their little bedroom at the top of the
house, for the while forgetful of verbs,
flats and sharps, and general history;
and no one that has never been q
teacher could estimate the value of a
brief season of repose like this.
''Oh, dear! should de-" said Con-
ME, IF it wasn't for an occasional
breathing spell"
When one can forget that one is a
teacher" sighed Miss Laurence, land
be Il girl again. It's impossible to be
proper and precise at all times, and
those horrid schoolgirls are so astound-
ed if one ever shows any signs of life.
Do they think, / wonder, that school
teachers aren't human, like them
selves?"
Young fiends,-all of themr' ex-
claimed Connie, with more force than
elegance. But don't speak to me
for awhile, dear, till I've finished this. ="
but, tell me, DEAR" coaxed Kate,
''what it is that you are so busy
aboutp You're not-writing a novelp"
Connie burst out laughing.
Writing a novel! Ip" she cried.
its far more important piece of
business. I'm breaking off my engage
mentr'
ITO Leigh Summersp"
Ito Leigh Summers, of course. How
many men do you suppose" with lit
tie impatient toss of the head, II am
engaged TOP"
s.But, Connie, / thought you loved
him?"
ii thought so, too, once. But now
I'm convinced that it was all mis-
take. was only sixteen when we
plighted our troths, and it seems as if
l had lived a whole lifetime since. It's
the old story, Kate. / liked pepper
mint candy when / was child. Now
/ can't bear it. Leigh was a nice
young fellow enough, and / was very
honestly in love with him, in those
days. But I'm convinced that we
shouldn't suit each other now, and l
believe that am doing Mr.. Summers
the greatest kindness of which am
capable, when restore him his free
dom"
-, Once ne. more pSs Kate Kate Laurence screwed
grimace. 81
Isn't that good deal like being
judge, jury and executioner in One,"
she said, without giving the luckless
prisoner a chance to be heard in his
own behalf?'
Not at ALL" said Connie, CURLY.
81 haven't seen him for year; but |
dare say he'll be as glad to be let off
as | shall"
"You-you're not in love with any
one else, are you?" hazarded Kate.
'.No; but am beginning to compre-
bend myself little more" said Con-
ME. And shan't catch the evening
post, Kate, dear, if you keep chatter
ing to me like this" ~
''Bnt I'm so sorry for poor Leigh
Summers" sighed tender-hearted Kate.
Every woman has right to change
her mind" said Connie impatiently.
And when the letter was written,
and put in the pillar-bOx ut the corner,
she heaved sigh of unmistakable re-
lief.
Its over at last!'' she murmured.
"Oh, how / have dreaded it! And now
| shan't know q moment of rest until
his answer comes backr'
I 1t came by return of post-a pleas
ant acquiescence to whatever seemed
best in Miss Luttrel's eyes. OfcOurse
it was right and proper, thought Con-
ME. But, all the same, there was in
her heart a secret annoyance that
Leigh should so readily have agreed
with her.
s'What nonsense" she said to her
self. LAS if cared, one way or the
other. Now | am free!"
And when, at last, the summer vaca-
ton came, Miss Luttrell betook herself
to Brighton to enjoy the delights of en-
tire rest and independence. .-
"Sea-bathing always agrees with
me-" she reflected. land, besides,
shall have chance to see little
something of the world. After being
engaged for three years, one does be-
gin to feel little lonesome, left all to
oneself"
Brighton was very full; hut Kate
Laurence had maiden cousin who
kept a select lodging-house where Con-
ME could consider herself at home;
and she soon began to feel the electric
influence of society arousing every
pulse in her poor little overworked
frame.
Summers Leigh is coming to-mor-
row."
Connie gave an irresistible start
when first she heard the name.
Summers Leighr' she exclaimed
why, once knew Leigh Summers
Is it possible that there are two such
unusual combinations of names in the
wOrldp"
"Most probable it is the same per.
son." observed Colonel Graham, who
had uttered the words which had so
startled Connie. ats quite a roman
tic history. He has inherited for.
tune of maternal uncle, who, being q
Leigh, naturally wished the family
name to be perpetuated. So he has
transformed his own appellation. And
a splendid young fellow he is. Hand
some, polished, full of that ease which
springs from natural good breeding. |